Lee Dixon is at the Top of His Game For NBC Sports

Sunday’s entertaining game between Manchester United against Chelsea was heightened by the world-class coverage from NBC Sports on US television. The combination of Rebecca Lowe, Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe in the US studio as well as Gary Lineker and Graeme Le Saux in the studio at Old Trafford was exemplary. But it was the commentating by Arlo White and Lee Dixon that shone brightly, with Lee Dixon in particular putting in his best-ever performance as a co-commentator.

After retiring from the sport as a professional footballer in 2002, Dixon has worked for several broadcasters including BBC (on Match of the Day), ITV and even freelance work for FOX Sports. But it’s his pairing with NBC Sports that began in 2013 that has elevated Dixon into one of the best co-commentators in the business.

During the Manchester United-Chelsea clash, Dixon’s analysis was sharp, constructive and completely spot on. He pointed out how Manchester United were wasting free kick opportunities through poor deliveries by Angel Di Maria. And when it came time for Di Maria to take his injury time free kick after being fouled by Branislav Ivanovic, Dixon reemphasized the importance of Di Maria floating in a precise free kick, which is exactly what happened and resulted in an inch-perfect equalizer from Robin van Persie.

Dixon’s analysis seemed to foreshadow events throughout the match. It was refreshing to hear his criticism of Rafael da Silva and where the Brazilian has weaknesses that need to be improved. Dixon helped identify huge gaping holes in midfield that TV viewers were unable to see. His tactical nous was on full display, as he made countless observations that heightened the experience of watching the match.

These weren’t your everyday common sense observations either. As a former footballer, he has the understanding of what it means to play in these high pressure games. But more importantly, he’s able to communicate it effectively and concisely without taking the viewers away from the experience of watching the game unfolding in front of our eyes.

I can’t help but believe that Dixon has benefited greatly from working with NBC Sports. The entire team that covers the Premier League for the US broadcaster analyzes every minute of its coverage on a weekly basis, learning from its mistakes and strategizing ways on how it can improve its coverage.

Plus on top of that, Dixon has benefitted from the excellent working relationship he has with White. The two of them work together very well, and you can tell there’s a professional respect and understanding between the two, which the viewers benefit from at the end of the day.

About The Author

Publisher of World Soccer Talk, Christopher Harris founded the site in 2005. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, The Guardian and several other publications. Plus he has made appearances on NPR, BBC World, CBC, BBC Five Live, talkSPORT and beIN SPORT.
Harris, who was born and raised in Wales, has lived in Florida since 1984, and supported Swansea City since 1979. Last but not least, he got engaged during half-time of a MLS game.

11 Comments

CodyOctober 28, 2014

I’m a big fan of Lee Dixon as well.
On the other hand, Brad Friedel did the Monday night game with Martin Tyler, & I thought Friedel was awful (I know he doesn’t work for NBC).

The Robbie’s pregame studio show was good also. Their conversation regarding dressing room banter and the challenges of foreign players was particularly interesting. Their thoughts of the game, beyond the analysis, should be encouraged. That’s why ESPN FC is so enjoyable to watch.

I noticed that too. Earle and Mustoe are loosening up a little in their banter and analysis. They’re still focused on doing their best, but they’re joking around a little, which was carried over into their 2 Robbies Football Show on NBC Sports Radio Network, too (on Saturdays at 5pm ET).

Lee Dixon is great but Gary Birtles is the best. Defenders make great commentators. Now if they could just do something with Arlo White. Give him a mirror and let him spend the entire game admiring himself.

I think NBC, ESPN and Univision are doing a fine job. Soccer is overtaking basketball, hockey and even baseball as a spectator sport in the USA, and the network coverage is a big part of the equation. The article is spot on– Lee Dixon’s commentary was excellent, both informative and entertaining. And I agree with Cody above that Brad Friedel’s performance was awful. I like the guy but he’s not ready for prime time.

The best Lee Dixon moment is when that idiot Arlo said Lee won an FA Cup semi-final once against Spurs in 2001. Dixon said ‘wait a minute what about 1993?’ Arlo said “you mean 2001?” Dixon said “no, Tony Adams scored the winner.” The way he said it made White look like the idiot he is.